Varied cultural programs at the Ljubljana Liszt Institute
The Ljubljana Liszt Institute is set for several weeks of exciting programs. At the end of September, Hungarian culture was showcased to Slovenian students at the Gastronomy and Tourism Secondary School in Ljubljana. Then, at the beginning of October, they hosted the opening of the Smart Hungary 2.0 exhibition. Following that, a music pedagogy course was organized in collaboration with the Academy of Music. Additionally, thanks to the Institute, Hungarian designers had the opportunity to present their work at Ljubljana Fashion Week.
On 23 September, 2024, Ines Katarina Gaal, a cultural associate at the Liszt Institute, presented Hungary’s cultural values and geographical features at the Gastronomy and Tourism Secondary School in Ljubljana. This event, part of the European Commission’s Languages program, provided 54 students with insights into Hungarian language, culture, and geography. The aim of the program is to create positive experiences for young people when they encounter Hungarian culture and to inspire them to consider Hungary as a potential location for their future studies. The interactive presentation was conducted in collaboration with the Hungarian lectureship at the University of Ljubljana.
The Smart Hungary 2.0 exhibition ran from 3 to 18 October, 2024, at the Liszt Institute in Ljubljana, showcasing innovative Hungarian products and solutions. The exhibition focused on four main themes: health and lifestyle, agriculture and industry, cities and mobility, and buildings and homes. The featured products aimed to address global challenges and enhance Hungarian export opportunities. The event was particularly significant from an economic perspective, as key figures from Slovenian economic life were invited to the opening. This exhibition was organized in collaboration with the MOL New Europe Foundation and the Embassy of Hungary in Slovenia, and it was one of the key science diplomacy initiatives of the Hungarian EU Presidency.
The Kodály Institute in Kecskemét held music pedagogy courses for music teachers and music pedagogy students in Ljubljana, Cerknica, and Lendva from 4 to 5 October, 2024, in collaboration with the Liszt Institute. The program aimed to promote the music pedagogy approach developed by Zoltán Kodály, which is practiced worldwide. The training was led by Edina Barabás, Borbála Szirányi, Katalin Körtvési, Nóra Keresztes, Anna Fűri, and Bence Juhász. During the workshops, they concentrated on musicianship (solfege and music theory) and choral conducting, with participating students earning credits for course completion. This special event helped strengthen ties between Slovenian and Hungarian music academies and further popularize the unique Kodály method. The course was made possible through collaboration with the Ljubljana Liszt Institute, the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc University of Music, the Hungarian Academy of Arts, local music schools, and the Hungarian Consulate General in Lendva.
The highlight of the 15th Ljubljana Fashion Week took place on October 8, featuring five young Hungarian fashion designers: Dorottya Csókási, Judit Bárány, Nóra Szarka, Szonja Láng, and Sára Acél. Their collective fashion show garnered significant interest, drawing hundreds of young attendees, as well as representatives from the fashion industry, including models, influencers, and other professionals, who came to admire the designers’ work. Following the successful presentation, the Ljubljana Liszt Institute hosted an after-party, providing a relaxed setting for participants to connect. Two young Hungarian DJs, Gyula Máté and Virág Kégl, set the mood for the evening. Engaging with young people is crucial for the Institute, and this event not only fostered connections but also promoted Hungarian fashion and strengthened cultural ties between Slovenia and Hungary.
